Tuesday, May 31, 2022

A Few of Many Good Things

Well. This is ironic. I have anticipated the 20th anniversary of Chickenblog since about 2003, more or less, and with increasing interest and eagerness in recent years. And here I am making a last ditch effort to say something, anything, before the month is up. How did I let all of these many weeks pass since my last post, especially after enjoying keeping the blog on a regular(ish) schedule? I don't know. I feel like I've let myself down. Not in a big way, not so I am overthinking it... just low key. We have enjoyed some truly wonderful moments, occasions events, and happenings, and I would really like to put them down, for the sake of making records, and preserving memories. In the meantime I am going to see if I can discipline myself to a brief brief brief highlight post. Here goes!
We have newlyweds in the house! Alex and Bambi, our beautiful groom and bride, tied literal knots, surrounded by close friends and family, with a pink, full moon, flowers, and plentiful joy all around.
April 26 :: Sloane, Tarot, Bryce, Maria and Mushroom :: The Creative Writing Club held a second open mic, and it was even bigger and more heartwarming, compelling and good than the last one, which is saying a lot. Once again, or is it as always... young people restore my faith in the world, in what can be achieved and what we could reach if we just give them the mic, some space and light. These people have compassion and reason, and it's an honor and pleasure to hear their words.
April 30 :: Bella, Andrew, Leo, Carol, Michael, Grace :: Speaking of promising youth, Leo is an Eagle Scout! And Geoff and I had the honor of being recognized as Eagle Scout mentors. I shared about the Court of Honor in this Instagram Reel, and about the making of Leo's project in this second Reel. I really like making Reels. And I really love that we get to share such happy moments and rites of passage with dear friends.

It was always going to be a challenge, and times being what they are, this is a more phenomenal achievement than anticipated. There were a record number of applicants, and she had to wait longer than most to learn the news. Maria accepted admittance to the University of California at San Diego! Even when she believed she would need to make other plans, she remained devoted to her academics, and extracurriculars, including robotics, JNHS, writing, art, math, and government. I am not boasting, honest. I am being pretty low key. Anyway, we are so amazed at her dedication and steady, diligent love of learning, and so happy that she is happily anticipating being a Triton.

I miss this. I miss writing, and sharing pictures, and reading blogs. I have been away from my desk, busy, distracted, tackling one thing or another, some good, some not so good. You know. The world is spinning madly on, and we just do our best, right? I hope so. I miss this community, so I think I will make an effort to get back here, again, soon.
And Lily's Grannie, thank you. It was awfully nice of you to check in on me.

Bird House Notes: There was a wedding here this week, and I am dizzy with elation to announce that Alex and Bambi are husband and wife! We have been very busy, as you might imagine, and happily visiting family, and friends, arranging flowers, putting up tents, dusting off shelves, taking pictures, and embracing all of the joy in celebrating! When I finally get around to it, I imagine my next post will be brimming with details. I am especially eager to express my profound gratitude to everyone that helped us bring the day together, who traveled to attend, who sent me special texts and messages reminding me that everything would turn out beautifully! April 19, 2022

8 comments:

Janece said...

Much much more to say -- but for right now -- so happy to see you back! You've been missed. <3

Nicole said...

I'm glad you're back!!!! I was wondering how you were doing. And here you have newlyweds! How exciting. Congrats to Maria on her university admittance. What great news. I was so excited to see you pop in on my reader.

Ruth said...

There you are! Welcome back! So good to see you again!

Little Dorrit does... said...

Nice to see you here as well as on Instagram. So many Good Things have been keeping you busy, it's no wonder the blog has taken a bit of a back seat! X

Anonymous said...

Welcome Back! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ’•

Anonymous said...

Welcome Back! <3

Laura Bray said...

Glad to see you back, but please don't feel guilty! I've been trying to be kinder to myself about blogging. Sometimes we need to go all in on life without reporting it somewhere. Just being completely present to your loved ones and all the good (and sometimes the not so good) events is the very best reason for not posting regularly.

But also, selfishly, I'm so glad to read a post from you!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you! All of you who have been supportive of Chickenblog, and me; I really do appreciate your kind words and engagement. Thank you for being patient, too. I hope I have time to squeeze in one more post before Maria and I embark on a big adventure. If you are interested... I hope you will follow us on Instagram, because that is a place where I can more readily share news of our travels. The Chickenblogger is going abroad!
Chickenblogger, VanFarmer, and our making group, BoomNerds, are all on the 'gram. I am so excited, and nervous, but Anna Banana suggests I call the "nervousness" "excitement," so I am very very very excited!
ร€ bientรดt mes amis!